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Overview
Euonymus fortunei is wintercreeper, an evergreen vine/groundcover/shrub growing 6–480 inches (15–1,200 cm) depending on growth form. Three habits: groundcover (6–12 inches / 15–30 cm without support), mounding shrub (24–48 inches / 60–120 cm with limited support), or climbing vine (to 480 inches / 1,200 cm on walls and trees via aerial rootlets — like ivy). Dark green glossy oval leaves 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm). Variegated cultivars are the most widely planted: 'Emerald Gaiety' (cream-white margins, pink winter tints), 'Emerald 'n' Gold' (gold margins), 'Coloratus' (green, turning purple in winter). In the staff-tree family (Celastraceae). Classified as invasive in much of eastern North America — escaped plants colonize native forest understory via bird-dispersed seeds and climbing growth. Check local invasive species regulations before planting. Euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi) — an armored scale insect that causes yellow spotting and dieback — is a serious and common pest. All parts contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids — toxic to humans and animals (gastrointestinal distress, heart rhythm disturbance). Named after Robert Fortune (1812–1880), Scottish plant collector in China. Adapts to full sun through full shade. Tolerates alkaline soil. Zones 5–9. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Native to China, Korea, and Japan, growing in forest understory and on rocky slopes. Named after Robert Fortune (1812–1880), plant collector.Suggested Uses
Grown as groundcover, wall cover, and foundation planting in zones 5–9. Classified as invasive in eastern North America — check local regulations. Euonymus scale management required. Variegated cultivars for foliage interest. All parts toxic. Adapts to full shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 40'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Summer (June–July) — inconspicuous greenish-white flowers only on mature climbing growth. The evergreen foliage — not the flowers — is the year-round feature. Orange-red seed capsules in fall (on mature plants).Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-white, tiny, inconspicuous, in axillary cymesFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, oval, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), finely toothed; variegated cultivars with cream, gold, or white marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to full shade. Adapts to alkaline soil. Classified as invasive in eastern North America — check local regulations. Euonymus scale is a serious pest. All parts toxic (cardiac glycosides). Zones 5–9.Pruning
Prune for shape any time during the growing season. Contains spread by annual edging and removing climbing growth from trees. Tolerates hard renovation pruning. Remove all-green reverted shoots on variegated cultivars.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons